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VAT calculator

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This calculator will help you to work out how much VAT you'll need to pay on top of a builder's quote or on other purchases...

YOUR VAT BILL
Work out how much VAT you'll need to pay on top of a builder's quote or on other purchases.

Price excluding VAT (No commas eg 3500)	£
RESULT		Calculate
Total VAT	£
Total bill	£

THE HIDDEN TAX
Work out how much VAT you paid on your purchases.

Total price	£
RESULT		Calculate
Total VAT paid	£
Cost before VAT	£

Different rates of VAT apply to different goods and services. There are currently three rates - the standard 20% (increased from 17.5% on 4 January 2011), a reduced rate charged at 5% and zero rate. VAT could be theoretically applied to the goods in the latter category, but the Government chooses not to do so at present. There is a separate category of items, known as 'exempt', which are not covered at all by the VAT regime. They have been kept out for various historical reasons.

Reduced-rate items

Domestic fuel and power
Installation of energy-saving materials
Residential conversions
Women's sanitary products
Children's car seats

Zero-rated items

Food - except meals in restaurants
Books and newspapers
Children's clothing and shoes, public transport.

VAT exempt

Insurance
Providing credit
Some education and training
Fundraising events by charities
Subscriptions to membership organisations
Betting and gaming